Simpler Thyme, Permaculture Analysis intro.

Simpler Thyme Organic Farm is largely designed and operated with permaculture principles in mind. The farm managers Ann and Bill are interested in trying to make their homestead and business sustainable in a very tangible way – they seem to be crafting a landscape which could ideally produce healthy food in perpetuity while dealing with climate, energy, and economic challenges. Of course this is a long process and they are not at any ‘end point’ just yet, but are constantly learning and adapting.

I think they recognize the importance of working with natural processes as much as possible, and this is manifested in multiple ways: the property is host to large areas of natural habitat, which means that any crop pests are likely to be kept in check by predators; the areas which are "farmed" for human food host a high level of biodiversity, including many perennial fruit, nut, berry, herb, vine, and tuber species; their annual vegetable gardens are set up in a way that requires minimal soil tillage, thus enhancing soil health, while again incorporating a high level of species diversity. As part of this, they seem to be striving for a high level of food self-sufficiency at least when it comes to plant and animal produce; they grow what they like to eat and like to eat what they grow.

I do have some critiques about the way that the farm is set up and operated on a daily basis, but these gaps are known to Ann and Bill, as well as Mike and Charles (the two other ‘legs’ which form the core of this non-‘nuclear-family’).

This analysis will begin with showing some current structural elements in place on the farm, then move onto discussion and mock-designs about some changes I would make if I were a long-term member, planner, and manager of this farm. I will format it as a series of postings instead of one large entry; each with it's own appropriate title.


Let's start with the big picture.